Bacteria Pesticide Gets Free Pass on Food Safety Checks
Published Date: 9/15/2026
Rule
Summary
This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain AT-332 in or on all food and feed commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), Gowan Company, in cooperation with SDS Biotech K.K., c/o Landis International, Inc., submitted a petition to EPA requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of this pesticide when used in accordance with the terms of the exemption.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tolerance Exemption for AT-332 Residues
The EPA finalized an exemption from the requirement of a pesticide tolerance for residues of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain AT-332 in or on all food and feed commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. This rule eliminates the need to set a maximum permissible residue level for this strain and is effective September 15, 2026.
No Analytical Method Required
EPA states that no analytical enforcement method is required for Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain AT-332 because the exemption from a tolerance is established without any numerical limitation. This means registrants and regulators are not required to use a specific residue test method for enforcement of this exemption.
EPA Safety Finding for AT-332
EPA concluded that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain AT-332 is not anticipated to be toxic, pathogenic, or infective and that there is a reasonable certainty of no harm to the general population, including infants and children, from aggregate exposure. EPA also determined no additional margin of safety is necessary to protect infants and children for this pesticide strain.
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